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Crowne Plaza by IHG: A New Era of Travel

In today's fast-paced world, the concept of blended travel is becoming increasingly relevant. Crowne Plaza by IHG, a prominent player in the premium hotel sector, has identified this transformation and is taking decisive steps to cater to modern travelers’ demands. The company recently released its second white paper, Leading the Charge in Blended Travel, which highlights the paradigm shift in how individuals approach travel, especially those seeking a mix of work and leisure.

Understanding Blended Travel

Blended travel is characterized by its fusion of professional responsibilities and leisure activities. Recent findings from a YouGov survey indicate that an astounding 70% of respondents in the U.A.E. acknowledge that blended travel now offers greater flexibility compared to five years ago. This shift caters to a new generation of business professionals and adventurers, who increasingly desire personal growth during their travels. According to Ginger Taggart, Vice President of Brand Management at IHG Hotels & Resorts, today’s travelers expect not just work-life balance but also holistic experiences that enhance their overall well-being through travel.

Trends Driving the Shift

The white paper outlines four key trends shaping blended travel:

1. Improve and Grow

Today's travelers seek experiences that contribute to their personal and professional development. Many view travel as an opportunity for creative exploration. The report indicates that the average traveler is extending their trips by three days compared to pre-pandemic levels, primarily to explore new destinations.

2. Mind-Body Equity

As wellness becomes a critical aspect of daily life, travelers are looking for hotel environments that foster mental and physical well-being. A significant portion, 35% globally, recognizes that blended travel helps them build healthier routines and alleviate stress. Notably, Crowne Plaza is responding to this trend with its biophilic design and amenities like infinity pools and fitness facilities that integrate nature into the guest experience.

3. The New Personal Travel Economy

Modern travelers want maximum value from their experiences, leading to increased reliance on technology to streamline the travel planning process. The white paper reports that 70% of respondents favor affordable deals that cater to both business and leisure, fueling the demand for blended travel experiences.

4. Intentional Togetherness

With more communication shifting online, there’s a renewed appreciation for personal interactions. A remarkable 65% of respondents in the Middle East and North Africa prefer to travel with family, highlighting the significance of meaningful connections during journeys. Crowne Plaza’s Meetings & Events Concierge program helps cater to this desire by crafting personalized itineraries for gatherings.

Innovations by Crowne Plaza

Crowne Plaza has risen to the challenge by evolving its hotel designs and guest experiences to support blended travel. The brand is in the midst of a global renovation initiative to modernize over 60% of its properties across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa by 2026. This revitalization will enhance hotels like Crowne Plaza Jeddah Al Salam, which aims to provide streamlined business and event services, adapting to the evolving needs of today's travelers.

By combining advanced meeting spaces with community-oriented designs, including dedicated areas for co-working, Crowne Plaza is not just keeping pace with industry trends but is also poised to shape the future of travel.

As the blended travel market is projected to grow significantly—from USD $315 billion in 2022 to over USD $731 billion by 2032—Crowne Plaza's proactive approach positions it as a frontrunner in this space.

For more information on how Crowne Plaza is redefining blended travel and to explore their latest offerings, visit their website and discover how you can make the most of your next travel experience.